David Worby releases Hope and unveils Worby & Friends lineup

David Worby has released “Hope,” the first single from his collaborative EP Worby & Friends, and revealed the full artist roster behind the project. The rollout includes a Sept. 18 double-single, an October EP, and a donation plan tied to plays of the music.

Why it matters: - David Worby is tying a music release to a charitable model, with up to $100,000 earmarked for two organizations that support veterans, first responders and 9/11-related causes. - Worby & Friends also marks the first time Worby has released music under his own name, turning a behind-the-scenes songwriter into a front-facing artist. - The project blends country music, collaboration and philanthropy around themes of hope, resilience and community.

What happened: - David Worby released “Hope” today, featuring The Bennett Hall Band. - “Hope” is the first single from Worby’s forthcoming collaborative EP, Worby & Friends. - Worby also revealed the full artist lineup for the project. - The lineup includes Matt Wynn, Breaking Eight, Hunter Jordan, Ava Paige, Alyssa Trahan and The Bennett Hall Band. - A double-single release is set for Sept. 18, with the full EP due in October.

The details: - “Hope” was written by Worby, Alyssa Trahan and Mark Narmore. - The Worby & Friends track list pairs each artist with a song: The Bennett Hall Band, “Hope”; Matt Wynn, “Hard Hats”; Breaking Eight, “Living Large In A Small Town”; Hunter Jordan, “What’s One More”; Ava Paige, “Your Love Goes On”; and Alyssa Trahan, “Play You Again.” - Alyssa Trahan has a deeper role in the project beyond performing. She is a frequent songwriting collaborator of Worby and has co-written many songs in his catalog. - Worby is serving as songwriter and co-executive producer alongside Michael August. - Simon Reid produced the project. - The music will be available to download. - Worby will donate $1 for each play of a song from Worby & Friends, up to $100,000 total. - The planned donations are split evenly between the Gary Sinise Foundation and Tunnel to Towers Foundation. - The Gary Sinise Foundation supports veterans, first responders and their families. - Tunnel to Towers Foundation provides mortgage-free homes to catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, supports families of fallen heroes, and assists first responders facing 9/11-related and other service-connected health challenges. - The release is rooted in themes of hope, perseverance, family, resilience and the power of community. - Worby has more than 25 country music cuts.

Between the lines: - Worby’s legal and philanthropic work gives the project a public-service frame that goes beyond a standard artist rollout. - The charitable donation tied to plays suggests the release is meant to function as both a music campaign and a fundraising mechanism. - Trahan’s involvement signals continuity between Worby’s songwriting network and the artists interpreting his material. - The project builds on Worby’s long-standing interest in country music themes that mirror his public life: faith, patriotism, hard work and recovery.

What's next: - Worby & Friends will continue with a double-single release on Sept. 18. - The remaining music and full EP are scheduled for October. - More details on the Sept. 18 releases and October rollout will be announced soon.

The bottom line: - Worby & Friends is launching as a collaborative EP with a built-in charitable mission, anchored by “Hope” and a lineup of country artists. - Watch the video